ENG 1320: College Writing II

ENG 1320: College Writing II

Research Paper

Formal Requirements:

1)1,000-1,250 words (4-5 pages). Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins.

2)You may use the first person (I) when writing about a personal example or experience.

3)You may NOT use the second person (you).

4)Must have quotesand citations from five peer-reviewed research sources, in addition to primary sources.

Instructions:

Paper 5 will be a Research Paper on a real-world,arguable topic.The source of your real-world, arguabletopicmust come from a work of art (film, piece of literature, song). For the paper you will be using a Classical or Quintilian Argument.

I. Introduction (one paragraph):For the introductory paragraph, discuss which work of art (film, piece of literature, song)prompted your research and why it motivated you to conduct this research. Remember to use a little pathos to hook the reader. Snag your reader’s interest with vivid, concrete language, with human interest. Be subtle but be interesting.

Ia. Thesis Statement (one sentence): A thesis statement is one sentence and will be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.In this case it’s an arguable position on a controversial topic.You may end up taking a fairly moderate position on the topic, but your thesis is still specific. (Example: While many believe political parties serve to organize the election and administration of government, the two mainstream parties in America have pulled the nation toward didactic debate,built mistrust among lawmakers, and stifled otherpotential voices in our democratic republic.)

II. Background/History of the subject (one to two paragraphs): Trace the history of your controversy and bring the reader up to date on where the issue stands today. Do this section in chronological order, briefly hitting major landmarks from the beginning of the controversy until its current state.You should do basic research online (on the web and/or through the library website) to get this information. Direct quotations for basic history aren’t necessary, but any paraphrase or summary of sources MUST BE CITED using the MLA format.

III.Proofs (outline with 3 topic sentences and evidence):Based on your research, of course, but you should have at least 3 thesis points (not including the counterargument in your refutation) as your paragraph topics.Use complete topic sentences to label each proof, and include any quotes/paraphrases/summaries from your sources that you will cite as evidence. CITATIONS REQUIRED.

Example:A. Topic sentence about thesis point.

1.Evidence, ideally paraphrased, cited in parentheses.

2.Evidence, ideally paraphrased, cited in parentheses.

B. Topic sentence about thesis point.

1.Etc.

IV.Refutation: While some elements of refutation should be covered in your Proofs, this paragraph/these paragraphswill focus on naming and then refuting (disproving) any counterarguments unaddressed in you have yet to overcomeThe opposing view should already appear as part of your thesis, but the refutation should give the specific attack(s) that the opposing view would make against your thesis claim. (See the example thesis statement in I.B.)

V.Conclusion: Discuss why your readers should heed your argument/why this topic is important tous all.If possible, employ subtle yet effective pathos here, and vivid, concrete language.

VI. Works Cited Page: Full list of cited sources. This should be a separate pagewith all citations in correct MLA format.

Grading Rubric*:

Logos (All your arguments are logical and supported; you are convincing.)50%

Ethos (Final copy is correct, polished, and rhetorically persuasive; your audience believes you.)30%

Pathos (By writing with enthusiasm about your topic, your audience enjoys reading your writing.)10%

MLA (You cite all material taken from outsides sources, including paraphrases, using

current MLA format**. Your Works Cited page includes all citations and follows

current MLA format.)10%

*The minimum number of words for this paper is 4 pages / 1,000 words. If you fail to produce 1,000 words, your final grade will be docked.

**Using outside sources without giving the author(s) credit is plagiarism and will result in a failing grade for the course. When in doubt, cite.